Why Parents Choose AFS
AFS is one of the most valued, reputable, and experienced leaders of high school student exchange in the world. Well-respected by educators, AFS has more than 70 years of experience in international education with programs in more than 50 countries. Nearly 13,000 students, young adults, and teachers choose AFS for their study abroad experience each year.
AFS means quality across the globe. AFS-USA exchanges its participants within a long-established, international network of AFS partner organizations. AFS partners operate according to the same mission, operating values, and quality standards.
AFS helps participants and parents prepare for the experience. AFS provides a wide variety of support that can include services such as in-person and online orientations, handbooks, telephone conference calls, opportunities to speak with AFS Returnees, local events with AFSers and volunteers, and more to help prepare students for their exchanges. Talk with your AFS Volunteer to learn what's available to you.
Participants are safeguarded with AFS’s medical coverage. AFS provides secondary medical coverage to ensure that, in an emergency, students will be treated as soon as possible, anywhere in the world. This secondary medical coverage is a prerequisite for participation and is included in the cost of tuition.
AFS is ready for emergencies, if they happen. AFS has the utmost concern for the welfare, safety, and security of student participants. AFS has a professional network of experienced staff and volunteers who provide support in each country. In the event of an emergency, 24-hour assistance is available. Designated staff and volunteers are ready to respond to crises at any time, and at any level. An AFS Situation Response Management Team is in place at all times to monitor events throughout the world and respond as necessary. While some AFS Programs have been curtailed at particular times, AFS has run programs throughout the world, without interruption, since it was founded in 1947.
Students are supported within a network of trained volunteers. With one of the largest volunteer networks of its kind in the world, AFS stands out from all other exchange organizations. While abroad, your child will have regular check-ins with a trained, personal liaison, unrelated to the host family, who provides additional support if necessary.
An AFS experience is part of a sound secondary school education. An AFS exchange is about hands-on learning, personal growth and accomplishments, building confidence, exploring potential, and discovering what it means to be a citizen of the world. Many AFSers are able to save college tuition by gaining exemption from college courses as a result of their new language abilities. High school students with international exchange experiences have a competitive edge and distinct advantages—like learning first-hand what it means to not only survive but thrive in a country and culture different than their own.
AFS is accredited. AFS is evaluated annually and complies with the standards set forth by the Council on Standards for International Education Travel (CSIET).